What is Orientation, and how do I sign up?
There are three components to your Algonquin College Orientation:
Online Prep has everything you need to get ready before your first day of school from the comfort of your home! Complete your 10-minute must-do list, sign up for a College Essentials Q&A Webinar, tune in on Instagram for the Inside Scoop series, and check out our online resources to get ahead.
AC Start is an opportunity to receive one-on-one support before the start of term. Explore the campus, get your questions answered, and connect with key services in a one-stop-shop setting.
AC Day 1 is your first day of school, where new students will attend Program Orientation and learn about their program, and all students can take part in free Social Activities throughout the day.
Check out each page for the steps to register/and or complete the recommended tasks.
Who should participate? Can I bring family members?
Online Prep is for incoming full-time, level 1 students. Family members are invited to tune in to our College Essentials Q&A Webinar.
AC Start is for incoming full-time, level 1 students and their families.
AC Day 1 is for all full-time new and returning students in Ottawa.
AC Online students do not need to attend AC Day 1, and will instead attend their own Online Learning Orientation.
What if I can’t make it to the College Essentials: Q&A Webinar?
If you can’t attend the webinars, check back on the College Essentials Q&A Webinar page after the webinars take place – we will post the recording there.
Everyone is encouraged to attend AC Day 1 for fun social activities!
I’m having trouble signing up, lost my ticket, or want to change my ticket info.
Your Eventbrite ticket will be sent to the email address that you used to sign up. You will also be able to register on the day of for AC Day 1! If you lost your ticket, no worries! We’ll be able to look up your registration when you check-in at AC Day 1.
If you can’t access these emails, or are experiencing other issues, please contact us at orientation@algonquincollege.com.
Will I have class during AC Day 1?
Classes will be suspended on AC Day 1 for incoming Level 1 learners at the Ottawa Campus (this excludes apprenticeship students) so that you can attend Program Orientation and take part in AC Day 1 workshops and social activities. Classes will return to regular schedule the following day. Please check your schedule on ACSIS.
I’m an International student. Do I need to attend International Student Orientation and AC Day 1?
Yes, we recommend that International students attend both AC Day 1 (which will connect you with social opportunities) and your International Student Orientation organized by the IEC (which provides information about living, working and studying in Canada).
We also encourage you to watch our online College Essentials Q&A Webinar, where you can receive answers to your questions about starting College.
I need additional support, who can I contact?
Student Support Services is here to help! We provide support with academics, student experience, mental health, health and wellness, accessibility, services for Indigenous students, support for new students, and more.
Learn more about Student Support Services!
How do I get to campus on AC Day 1? Where can I park?
There are many ways to get to campus including public transit, biking, ride matching, carpooling and more. Check out our sustainable transportation initiatives here. If you are entitled to a U-Pass (transit pass) submit your photo in advance online here and your pass will be ready for pick up on campus.
If you have purchased an Algonquin College parking permit, please park in your designated area (Lot 8, 9, or 12). If you do not have a permit, limited parking will be available in the Lot 12 (Park, Pay and Go), or in the Visitor’s Parking Lot, for a fee.
Click here for Parking Map.